MUTOH RJ-900 Technical Bulletin

Brand: MUTOH

Model: RJ-900

Type: Technical Bulletin

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

OVERVIEW

As with all printers produced by Mutoh, the head alignment steps on the RJ-900 and RJ-901 are quite

straightforward. These steps are common across the entire Mutoh product line although different names

may be used for each function from time to time.

This bulletin includes the relevant pages from the Mutoh service manual, along with corrections for

instructions that may be inaccurate or out of date.

MATERIALS NEEDED

• #2Philipsscrewdriver-forremovingcoverscrews

• 5xorgreaterpowerloupe

• Flashlight-asingleLEDunitsuchasaMiniMagliteispreferableduetoitsbrightness.Also,a

blueLEDlightmayhelpilluminatetheyellowalignmentpatterns,whichcanbeverydifcultto

see under normal lighting conditions.

• Atleast10to15feetofavailablepaperforprintingthealignmentpatterns.

PROCEDURE

1. StarttheprinterinSelfDiagnosticModebyholdingdowntheUP,DOWN,andRIGHTarrowkeysduring

initialization. Release the keys when the printer displays Check: Test.

2. PresstheRIGHTarrowkeytodisplayCheck:Adjustment.Makesurethatyouhavepaperloadedand

the lever is down before you press ENTER.

3. Using the menu tree shown on the following page as a guide, go through the steps in this order:

a) Nozzlecheck.Thisstepistoensurethattheheadisringproperly.

b) Slantcheck1.Inthisstep,youwillcomparetherst(black)andlast(yellow)channelsto

determineiftheheadisslanted.Thiscanbeadjustedthroughaleveronthesideofthe

head carriage.

c) Slantcheck2.Thispatterndetermineswhetherthereisaverticaladjustment(slant)to

the print head. This step is generally not necessary unless the head carriage has been

replaced or reinstalled.

d) Uni-directionalalignment.Thisadjuststheelectronictimingofeachofthe8channelson

the print head to each print mode (the print mode is a combination of head height and car-

riage speed).

e) Bi-directionalalignment.Thisisasingleadjustmentthatcompensatesforthealternating

directionsofcarriagetravelwhenprintingbi-directionally.Oneadjustmentmustbemade

for each print mode.

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual 5 Self-Diagnosis Mode

5-21

5.5 Adjustment Menu

In this menu, the printing position can be aligned and media feed operation can be corrected.

The adjustment menu includes the following diagnosis menus.

Table 5-4 Diagnosis Items in Adjustment Menu

Diagnosis item Contents Reference

Skew check Performs media feed and detects the degree of skew in

media feed by the sensor.

"5.5.1 Skew Check

Menu" p.5-24

Head rank input Enters the characteristic value of the print heads in use.

After the entry, charge ink.

"5.5.2 Head Rank

Input Menu" p.5-25

Head nozzle check Prints out a printing to check the ink discharge

performance of the head nozzles.

"5.5.3 Head Nozzle

Check Menu" p.5-26

Head slant check 1 Prints out a printing to check for print head slant

(horizontal direction). Mechanical adjustment must be

performed as necessary.

"5.5.4 Head Slant

Check Menu 1" p.5-28

Head slant check 2 Prints out a printing to check for print head slant (vertical

direction). Mechanical adjustment must be performed as

necessary.

"5.5.5 Head Slant

Check Menu 2" p.5-29

CW adjustment Prints out a printing to adjust uni-direction (CW

direction) printing between nozzles.

Low 1: PG Low 3-peak waveform

Low 2: PG Low 6-peak waveform

High 1: PG High 3-peak waveform

High 2: PG High 6-peak waveform

"5.5.6 CW

Adjustment" p.5-31

Repeatability

adjustment

Prints out a printing to align the positions of the repeated

printings.

Low 1: PG Low 3-peak waveform

Low 2: PG Low 6-peak waveform

High 1: PG High 3-peak waveform

High 2: PG High 6-peak waveform

"5.5.7 Repeatability

Adjustment Menu" p.5-

CCW adjustment Prints out a printing to adjust uni-direction (CCW

direction) printing between nozzles.

Low 1: PG Low 3-peak waveform

Low 2: PG Low 6-peak waveform

High 1: PG High 3-peak waveform

High 2: PG High 6-peak waveform

"5.5.8 CCW

Adjustment" p.5-38

Band feed correction Prints out a printing to correct the media feed amount for

each pass.

"5.5.9 Band Feed

Correction Menu" p.5-

Top & bottom

adjustment

Sets the top & bottom margins. "5.5.10 Top and

Bottom Adjustment

Menu" p.5-42

P_REAR sensor

position adjustment

Adjusts the P_REAR sensor position using cut media. "5.5.11 P_REAR

Sensor Position

Adjustment Menu" p.5-

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

5 Self-Diagnosis Mode RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual

5-22

Test printing Prints out a nozzle check pattern and adjustment

variables.

"5.5.12 Test

Printing Menu" p.5-44

Head cleaning Cleans the tubes and heads using cleaning liquid. "5.5.13 Head

Cleaning Menu" p.5-45

Software counter

initialization

Clears various software counters. "5.5.14 Software

Counter Initialization

Menu" p.5-46

Feed amount check Used to check the media feed amount per band. "5.5.15 Feed Pitch

Check Menu" p.5-46

Solid print check Performs solid nozzle print check (color selection, nozzle

selection and print direction selection are available).

"5.5.16 Solid Print

Menu" p.5-48

Table 5-4 Diagnosis Items in Adjustment Menu (Continued)

Diagnosis item Contents Reference

Previous menu

Next menu

Previous menu

Next menu

Previous menu

Next menu

Previous menu

Next menu

Previous menu

Next menu

Previous menu

Next menu

Check Skew Menu

Input Rank Menu

Check Nozzle Menu

Head Slant Menu 1

CW Adjustment Menu Low1

Bi-D Adjustment Menu Low1

Bi-D Adjustment Menu Low2

Bi-D Adjustment Menu High1

Bi-D Adjustment Menu High2

Previous menu

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

Head Slant Menu 2

CW Adjustment Menu Low2

CW Adjustment Menu High1

CW Adjustment Menu High2

Previous menu

Next menu

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual 5 Self-Diagnosis Mode

5-23

CCW Adjustment Menu Low 1

Feed Adjustment Menu

Top & Bottom Adjustment Menu

P_REAR Sensor Position Adjustment Menu

Test Printing Menu

Head Cleaning Menu

Software Counter Initialization Menu

Send Pitch Menu

Fill Pattern Menu

CCW Adjustment Menu Low 2

CCW Adjustment Menu High 1

CCW Adjustment Menu High 2

Previous menu

Next menu

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

[Enter] key

[Cancel] key

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

5 Self-Diagnosis Mode RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual

5-26

(4) Initial Charging Menu

If the input head rank is determined, the plotter performs initial charging.

5.5.3 Head Nozzle Check Menu

In this menu, the head nozzle printing to confirm ink is fired from nozzles correctly after the ink charge, are

available.To check the head nozzle condition, follow the steps below. To check the head nozzle, follow the steps

below.

1. Set media as necessary.

2. After media is set, the machine prints out head nozzle check patterns in the following modes.

• 1 pass, unidirectional

• PF: 360 dpi

• CR: 360 dpi

3. Check the printed head nozzle check patterns for the following points.

• Ink nozzle discharge amount (omission, discontinuity, meandering)

• Satellite

• T fence

• Nozzle alignment in vertical direction

• Nozzle alignment in horizontal direction

Nozzle check: Prints the patterns in the order of A to H.

Vertical nozzle alignment check: Prints the patterns in the order of A to H.

[Enter] key

After ink cartridge is installed

[Cancel]

key

Initial ink chage will not be executed.

Head ID will be updated.

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual 5 Self-Diagnosis Mode

5-27

Horizontal nozzle alignment check (CW direction): Prints the patterns in the order of A to H.

Horizontal nozzle alignment check (CCW direction): Prints the patterns in the order of A to H.

4. If any abnormal conditions are found in the ink discharge status of the head nozzles, perform cleaning.

TIP

"5.5.15 Feed Pitch Check Menu" p.5-46

5. After cleaning, make the machine print out head nozzle check patterns again.

Media set

Finish media initialization

Finish printing

If media is not set

Display during adjustment printing

Previous menu

Next menu

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

7 Adjustment RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual

7-26

7.7 Head Alignment Adjustment(Horizontal Height)

This section describes the procedure to adjust the head slant in horizontal direction.

When you have removed and installed the head assembly, such as for head assembly replacement, always

adjust the head slant and depth following the steps below.

NOTE

Before starting adjustment, remove the following parts.

• CR board cover: "4.6.1 Replacing Print Head" p.4-37

• Cable cover R: "4.6.1 Replacing Print Head" p.4-37

1. Start the system in self-diagnosis function mode and print the adjustment patterns in "Head Slant Check

Menu 1".

"5.5.4 Head Slant Check Menu 1" p.5-28

2. Make adjustment based on the printed adjustment patterns.

A: Check the slant at this point.

B: Media feed direction

C: OK

D: Move the head adjusting cam upward.

E: Move the head adjusting cam downward.

OO

OO

RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual 7 Adjustment

7-27

3. Move the head adjusting cam lever to adjust head slant.

No. Part name

Head adjusting cam

Head mounting plate

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

7 Adjustment RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual

7-28

7.8 Head Alignment Adjustment(Slant)

This section describes the procedure to adjust the head slant in vertical direction.

After operation such as head assembly replacement, adjust the head slant according to the steps below.

NOTE

Before starting adjustment, remove the following parts.

• CR board cover: "4.6.1 Replacing Print Head" p.4-37

• Cable cover R: "4.6.1 Replacing Print Head" p.4-37

1. Start the system in self-diagnosis function mode and print the adjustment patterns in "Head Slant Check

Menu 2".

"5.5.5 Head Slant Check Menu 2" p.5-29

2. Make adjustment based on the printed adjustment patterns.

A: Check the point to check the vertical slant angle.

B: Media feed direction

C: OK

D: Move the vertical-slant adjusting tab to the right.

E: Move the vertical-slant adjusting tab to the left.

#

$

#

$

#

$#

$

#

$

#

$

#

$#

$

%%9

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual 7 Adjustment

7-29

3. Loosen the vertical-slant adjusting tab screw and move the tab left and right to adjust the head vertical

angle.

7.9 Cutter Holder Height Adjustment

This section describes the procedure to adjust the cutter holder height.

7.9.1 Jigs and Tools

The following jigs and tools are required for cutter holder height adjustment.

• Cutter holder height adjusting jig

TIP

"10.4 Jigs and Tools" p.10-7

7.9.2 Adjustment Procedure

To make adjustment, follow the steps below.

NOTE

Before starting adjustment, remove the following parts.

• CR cover: Step 2 to 4 in "4.6.1 Replacing Print Head" p.4-37

• Cutter blade: Operation manual

No. Part name

Vertical-slant adjusting tab

screw





Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual 5 Self-Diagnosis Mode

5-31

5.5.6 CW Adjustment

This menu is used to adjust the gap of the print positions caused by CR passes.

To adjust the gap of it, at first print out Uni-D printing and confirm the differences of print position. Then,

enter the difference for the relevant parameters.

Adjustment items are shown in the tables below.

The actual procedure is as follows.

1. Set media as necessary.

2. After media is set, the machine prints out CW adjustment check patterns.

Table 5-6 Uni-D Menu Items

Item Contents

CW adjustment Low 1 CW adjustment for low head height, PG 1 value, using 3-peak waveform

CW adjustment Low 2 CW adjustment for low head height, PG 1 value, using 6-peak waveform

CW adjustment High 1 CW adjustment for high head height, PG 2 value, using 3-peak waveform

CW adjustment High 2 CW adjustment for high head height, PG 2 value, using 6-peak waveform

Table 5-7 Uni-D Adjustment Items

Item Contents

Gap1A-1B Uni-D (CW) adjustment of nozzle row B to nozzle row A

Gap1A-2A Uni-D (CW) adjustment of nozzle row C to nozzle row A

Gap1A-2B Uni-D (CW) adjustment of nozzle row D to nozzle row A

Gap1A-3A Uni-D (CW) adjustment of nozzle row E to nozzle row A

Gap1A-3B Uni-D (CW) adjustment of nozzle row F to nozzle row A

Gap1A-4A Uni-D (CW) adjustment of nozzle row G to nozzle row A

Gap1A-4B Uni-D (CW) adjustment of nozzle row H to nozzle row A

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

5 Self-Diagnosis Mode RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual

5-32

3. Check the printed CW adjustment check patterns for the following points.

(The following shows a case for CW adjustment Low 1)

Print the patterns in the order of A&B / A&C / A&D / A&E / A&F / A&G / A&H.

1-1

Prints repeatedly for

the rest of nozzles

RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual 5 Self-Diagnosis Mode

5-33

A: Media feed direction

B: Adjust the setting value so that the printed dots are aligned at this connecting point.

C: The number shows the performed adjustment items.

1-1: CW adjustment Low 1

1-2: CW adjustment Low 2

2-1: CW adjustment High 1

2-2: CW adjustment High 2

* For CW adjustment Low 2, High 1 and High 2, perform adjustment using the same procedure.

** Detail on B is as follows. Make an adjustment so that the size of the gap A below is smaller than the

half size of the dot.

Gap A

Assumed center

position A

Assumed Center

Position B

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

5 Self-Diagnosis Mode RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual

5-34

4. If any abnormal conditions are found, identify the gap of the print positions and enter it as the CW

adjustment parameter.

After entering the parameter, make the machine print out the check patterns again as necessary.

(The following shows a case for CW adjustment Low 1)

Media set

Head Gap change

Finish media initialization

Finish printing

If media is not set

If the head height alignment does not

meet the specification of the adjustment item.

Displayed during adjustment printing

Press [Setting/value +] or [Setting/value -]

key to input valueޓ

1 pulse (= 1/720 inch) increments

Previous menu

Next menu

ALL

Toucan LT Step 5: Uni-directional Alignment

Example, circled above is shown below is Black to Magenta (1A-3A). Repeat

for all other colors. Perform adjustment in center of focal point of images.

Ideal

In Spec Out of Spec Out of Spec

In Spec

Correction

Necessary

Within 1/2 dot

tolerance, slight

adjustment toward

ideal will improve

image quality.

Within 1/2 dot

tolerance, slight

adjustment toward

ideal will improve

image quality.

Align this condition

by changing the

number on the LCD

to a larger (less

negative) number.

Align this condition

by changing the

number on the LCD

to a smaller (more

negative) number.

Alignment note: 1 dot equals 9 increments on the display. Test one color and reprint pattern first.

<-- reference

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual 5 Self-Diagnosis Mode

5-35

5.5.7 Repeatability Adjustment Menu

This menu is used to align the head positions for repeatability printing.

To align the head position for repeatability printing, at first print out a Bi-D printing and identify the

difference between the CW printing position and the CCW printing position. Then, enter the difference

between the relevant parameters.

Due to head characteristics, only one adjustment value is used for all nozzle rows. Therefore, adjust the

setting value so that performance of each row becomes average.

Adjustment items are shown in the tables below.

The actual procedure is as follows.

1. Set media as necessary.

2. After media is set, the machine prints out repeatability adjustment patterns.

Table 5-8 Bi-D Items

Adjustment Item Contents

Repeatability adjustment

Low 1

Bi-D adjustment for low head height, PG 1 value, using 3-peak waveform

Repeatability adjustment

Low 2

Bi-D adjustment for low head height, PG 1 value, using 6-peak waveform

Repeatability adjustment

High 1

Bi-D adjustment for high head height, PG 2 value, using 3-peak waveform

Repeatability adjustment

High 2

Bi-D adjustment for high head height, PG 2 value, using 6-peak waveform

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

5 Self-Diagnosis Mode RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual

5-36

3. Check the printed repeatability adjustment patterns for the following points.

* The pattern is printed with Bk row only.

(The following shows a case for repeatability adjustment Low 1)

A. Media feed direction

B. Adjust the setting value so that the printed dots are aligned at this connecting point.

* Also for repeatability adjustment Low 2, High 1 and High 2, perform adjustment using the same

procedure.

* Detail on B is as follows. Make an adjustment so that the size of the gap A below is smaller than the

half size of the dot.

4. If any abnormal conditions are found, identify the difference between the CW printing position and the

CCW printing position and enter the difference as the repeatability adjustment parameter.

Printing

direction

Printing

direction

Printing

direction

Printing

direction

Details of circled area

1-3

B (upper circle above)

B (lower circle above)

Gap A

Assumed center

position A

Assumed Center

Position B

In this case, note that while

the alignment pattern shown

to the left is theoretically

correct, the actual pattern

printed by the unit has an

error in it. Note how the top

and bottom passes of the

pattern at left are perfectly

aligned? On the RJ-900's

alignment pattern, the top

and bottom passes will not

align. This is because, for

somereason,therstCW

pass of any print is always

offset compared to all sub-

sequent CW passes. For this

reason, always perform your

Bi-Dalignmentsbycompar-

ing the second (CCW) pass

to the third (CW) pass. In

the image at left, these are

shown as the upper two

passes.

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

RJ-901C/RJ-900C Maintenance Manual 5 Self-Diagnosis Mode

5-37

5. If any parameters are changed, make sure to update the parameters.

Next menu

Media set

Finish printing

If media is not set

Ex.) Bi-D Adjustment Low1

Adjustment printing

Previous menu

[Enter] key

Head Gap change

Previous menu

1 pulse (= 1/2880 inch)

increments

[Cancel] key

Magenta shown below, average across the entire width of the test print then repeat for all other heads and heights.

Ideal Incorrect In Spec Out of Spec Out of Spec

Proper alignment:

Imaginary line through

the center of the primary

dots in both the upper

and lower section of the

test pattern.

Incorrect alignment:

The imaginary line

through the center of

the primary AND satalite

dots as a group. Alignment

is for the primary dot only.

Allowable alignment:

Dots are 1/2 pixel off.

Though specifications

are met, this pattern

should be adjusted closer

to ideal alignment.

To align the condition

above, change the

number on the LCD

to a smaller (more

negative) number.

To properly align

for the condition

above, change the

number on the LCD

to a larger (less

negative) number.

# 1 ALL (Low)

# 2 ALL (Middle)

# 3 ALL (High)

1A2A 1B2B3A3B4A4B

# 4 ALL (High 2)

5B 5A6B 6A

4 Head heights

Toucan LT Step 4: Bi-directional Alignment

AswiththeUni-D(CW)alignments,1dotofmovementequals9incrementsonthedisplay.

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

Technical Bulletin

tib 1006-001

RJ-900 Print Head Alignment

4. Onceyouhavecompletedalloftheprecedingalignments,printaconrmation.

a) FromtheAdjustmentmenu,pressCanceltoreturntoCheck:Adjustment.

b) PresstheRIGHTarrowkeyuntilyouseeCheck:Print.PressENTER.

c) PresstheRIGHTarrowkeyuntilyouseePrint:Adj.Variable.PressENTERtoprint.

Write the date on the resulting print, roll it up, and store it inside the left hand cover of the printer.

You may also use the Mutoh Maintenance Engineer Assistant program to take a backup of the machine's

memory. See GOTEK TIB 1006-002 for directions on using that program.

5. Power off and restart the printer normally. It should now be aligned and ready to use.

Call Us: a (408) 394-7595 • www.inkjetbiz.com

SUPPORT

INKJETBIZ

MUTOH RJ-900 Technical Bulletin

MUTOH RJ-900 Technical Bulletin

MUTOH RJ-900 Technical Bulletin

Related papers

Other documents